Worsley Arms Hotel

A return visit for us, from 50 years ago! A relaxing one night stay, food beautifully cooked. Appreciated was the comfortable bed and plenty of space. I would agree the decor is dated but that's appealing given that the cleanliness is good. Staff most helpful. Walking from here was much enjoyed.

Having stayed at the Hotel a number of years ago and enjoyed the experience we were looking forward to staying again. Sadly the Hotel is now a tired replica of what it used to be. Their web site flatters in the extreme. Our room was a huge disappointment very basic and in desperate need of refurbishment. The top of a tap was missing, the bath had a large chip out of the enamel and the loo felt it might disintegrate under us. The chairs were also distinctly tired. We felt the staff merely tolerated us being there. We were definitely not made welcome. So sad that we came back to a place that we had enjoyed a few years ago but were hugely disappointed and would never recommend to any friends now.

Don’t book here if you want privacy in the bathroom. Room 10 just has a shorter than needed Net curtain up to the window, which doesn’t cover the full length of the window meaning it is overlooked by the neighbour so they can see directly in to the toilet/shower area. When told, the Staff said well it’s only … who lives next door. No attempt was made to resolve this issue. If you had to shower with the light on the net curtain would make no difference anyway. The kettle was placed on the table next to the tea making facilities but had to put on the floor to plug in as the cable did not reach the table. Great service in the restaurant and the food was good but beware of staying here the night

ne of the joys of having a small retreat in North Yorkshire is that my wife and I can explore the area, previously unknown to us despite living in the East Riding of Yorkshire for 25 years. There are artisan food shops in Malton and Helmsley, copious farm shops, Ampleforth ale and cider (take care with the 8% alcohol one), country houses, and pubs. We believe we have discovered the best place for a pub lunch in the vicinity—and possibly the best pub lunch we have ever had. The lovely village of Hovingham, on the road between Malton and Helmsley, has a single hotel: the Worsley Arms Hotel. If you drive past this place at lunchtime, you are making a mistake. Hovingham has the appearance of a model village; it even has a ford over the stream that runs through it. All the houses are built of the same Yorkshire gritstone, in the same style, suggesting they were all originally connected to Hovingham Hall, which dominates one side of the main street. The Worsley Arms Hotel stands directly opposite. Hovingham Hall is 450 years old, and the most recent person of note to live there was the Duchess of Kent in her childhood. Built in 1841, the Worsley Arms Hotel is a fully functioning hotel. The corridor floor has that slightly uneven feel of being well-trodden, and the walls are festooned with interesting local artefacts. With parking at the rear—adjacent to a farm entrance—you can enter from the back into the old lobby. Lunches are served in the lounge, accessed through the public bar, which is quite small. When we visited in March (still winter in North Yorkshire), a blazing log fire welcomed us. Greyhounds and other dogs were tethered to their owners, and the man propping up the bar might as well have had ‘farmer’ tattooed on his forehead. I think he wore a flat cap, but that may be my imagination. He was drinking beer from a dimple pint glass—a sight I hadn’t seen in years. The lounge is full of cricketing memorabilia and photographs dating back to the mid-1880s. You get the impression that Hovingham wouldn’t be Hovingham without the Worsley Arms Hotel. Considerable credit must go to couples like the present owners, who keep such places going in difficult times. Service in the lounge was quick. The softly spoken owner is ever-present, and we believe his wife runs the kitchen. The mains are typical pub fare, but the starters caught my eye—among them, parfait of duck liver and black pudding fritters. I chose the latter. When it arrived, I wondered if they’d skipped to my main course. The generous pieces of black pudding were beautifully battered and melted in my mouth. I followed with a steak and ale pie like no other I’ve eaten. Accustomed to pub ‘pies’ being a meagre portion of stew in a tiny ramekin with a sad slab of puff pastry on top, I was delighted to see a proper pie—one with pastry on the bottom, sides, and top. It was packed with tender stewed beef, accompanied by a small jug of gravy. My wife had roast chicken, its golden hue betraying i

The staff were excellent, very friendly, helpful & welcoming. The room was clean, warm & comfortable. We booked a double superior room & although the bed was very big the room was really quite small & ready for some refurbishment. The bathroom, again whilst clean, warm & functional, was very small and looked to have been designed & installed by a poor ‘DIY’er. The breakfast was very nice with the staff service again being first class.

We have had the pleasure of staying here on numerous occasions. The atmosphere is relaxing & welcoming while being totally professional. If you are looking for a boutique hotel, stay somewhere else. This is a small family run country house hotel with comfortable rooms and beds. The bar is intimate and cosy with a log fire. The locals are friendly, and if you wish they are happy to include you in conversation. Breakfasts and evening meals are of a high quality with plenty of choice. All the staff work hard to provide guests with a special stay. We look forward to returning in the near future.